Durban: South Africa’s 15 cricketers for next month’s World Cup have clinched a Rand six million sponsorship deal in addition to the salaries and perks they are entitled to.

News of the deal was revealed on Sunday but no official of South Africa’s United Cricket Board was prepared to talk about the sponsorship.

According to reports from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the deal on behalf of the players was struck by Tony Irish, South African Cricket Players Association CEO.

It was a last minute deal and had only been concluded on January 13, the day the ICC had stipulated that participating countries finalise all commercial deals with players.

The Johannesburg-based Sunday Times reported that the negotiations were so delicate that Irish had to make urgent trips to Durban to meet Jonty Rhodes, president of the players’ association, and captain Shaun Pollock midway through signing the deal.

Pollock was quoted as saying that he was pleased with the out come. “It has been handled well and professionally. I’m very happy.”

In addition to the R6-million sponsorship, the players will receive their monthly salary of R30,000 each and the bonus during the World Cup. (PTI)